Amherst Public Library - Teen Lounge

Summer Success

2010-07-20T14:37:00.000-07:00

Maybe you don't remember the year kids voted to see what color she would dye her hair if we were able to get 200 teens to sign up for summer reading. This year, even without a colorful contest, our teen program registered 292 members not counting those who registered online. That's fantastic.

Thank you to all the kids who took part, volunteered, and took part in our programs and activities. You really made it a fun summer. The drawing workshop, magic tricks, craft days were all made more fun by your involvement.

Thanks also for all the donations made to our charity partners, Flip Flops for Haiti and the Amherst Food Pantry. Many people benefited from your generosity and willingness to get involved. Hopefully you'll follow through on that willingness to help others and make a difference as the year continues and you return to school and work.

School?! It's hard to talk about when it's still July but we are planning another book covering event to help you get started on the right foot. We covered hundreds of textbooks last year and went through stacks of paper bags. The library will be there for you again this year when the school bell rings.

Enjoy the few weeks you have till that time and continue to visit us at the library. Thanks for a great summer.

Magic Happens

2010-07-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

There's more magic around now that Ron Price instructed some willing apprentices in the art of cups and balls, rope magic, and even some cell phone tricks.

Two separate classes came to the Main Street Center where local magician and escape artist Ron Price led the workshops. Even some parents stayed around to learn a few new tricks. Everyone was surprised to learn there are a few easy tricks with simple items you have around the house, like rubber bands and even paper clips.

The library has a great collection of magic books as well as some videos that explain how to do some classic illusions. Magic is a great ice breaker and a way to build self confidence. Just don't tell any one the secret! Stop by the library to pick up a book or visit Ron when he teaches each Saturday at the Yellow Barrel of Magic in Elyria.

Yo-yo Mania

2010-06-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

The yo-yo workshop with Jake Willis drew lots of local enthusiasts who learned a few new tricks. His high tech, souped up yo-yos were a big draw and people were practicing tricks like the "Jamaican Flag" and "Psycho Baby".

Jake Willis heads up the Lorain County Yo-yo Association.

Our next workshop is tonight, Thursday, June 24 at 7 p.m. Bring along your yo-yo or just come and get an idea how to work one. It's a new dawn and a new age as yo-yo-ing goes high tech.

Teen Game Day

2010-06-14T09:39:00.000-07:00

When I checked the registration book this morning we had more than 150 teens registered for summer reading. School's been out less than one week and already kids are heading to the library to pick up books, music, and movies before heading out to friends, parties, vacation, wherever people head to when they don't have to head to school.

Remember this week at the library we have a Teen Game Day on Thursday, June 17 beginning at 3 p.m. We'll have Guitar Hero up on the big screen and others games going on so stop by if you're around. This Saturday, June 19 is our first of two Yo-yo Workshops with Jake Willis, president of the Lorain County Yo-yo Club. Stop by at 1 p.m. Saturday and bring along your yo-yo or just come by and watch Jake as he demonstrates just what you can do with a little string. No....this is not your father's yo-yo. No old school yo-yo's here.

Magic Workshop with Ron Price takes place Monday, June 21. Normally you'll find Ron at Yellow Barrel of Magic most Saturdays but on Monday he'll be teaching us how to perform some magic tricks with normal props you probably already have around the house. Workshop is at 1:30 p.m. and for more room, we'll be down at the Main Street Center, 255 Park Avenue in downtown Amherst. Yes, that's the old Amherst Post Office.

See you at the library!

School's Out! - you're FREE

2010-06-08T12:37:00.000-07:00

I feel like Alice Cooper should be playing in the background here, something special to mark the end of yet another school year. You've finally finished with the books, the tests, the teachers....now what?

Time for FUN! We've got a Teen Game Day scheduled for Thursday, June 17 at 3:30 p.m. We'll have the Guitar Hero out on the big screen and other fun stuff. Stop by.

Don't forget the Magic Workshop with magician Ron Price on Monday, June 21 at 1:30 p.m. at the Main Street Center. Ron teaches most weekends at the Yellow Barrel of Magic but this workshop for summer reading is FREE. Call us at 988-4230 to register so we know how much stuff to bring and learn some tricks using stuff you probably already have around the house.

Don't forget some of the summer reading prizes we have this year. Who can resist the projectile water dispenser...or get your choice of two insulated bags, perfect for a bike ride or trip to the beach.

Yes FREE is a popular word at the library. Stop in and sign up for summer reading, or register online. We have FREE prizes along with lots of FREE books to check out and remember there's never a charge to rent a DVD from the library. Load up on CDs, movies, magazines, graphic novels.....well you see what I'm getting at. Now that you've got some FREE time...maybe we'll see you at the library.

Get Creative with Crochet

2009-06-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

If you missed our crochet workshop tonight we have another one scheduled for Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m. Vivian from Pat Catan's in Amherst is a great teacher and everyone had a great time. Summer reading really is for all ages. Kids and adults attended the workshop and found out we all had something in common - we were all beginners when it came to crochet. See you next week.

Wii Love Summer Reading

2009-05-07T14:27:00.001-07:00

Teen Game Day is back and this time we're really hitting one out of the park. Stop by the library on Wednesday, May 27, from 3:30 -5 p.m. and get a preview of our teen summer reading program. This year we invite kids in grades 5-8 to "Express Themselves" through a variety of activities that will allow you to have fun and also get involved in your community.

During "Wii Love Summer Reading" you'll get a preview of some of our prizes, our programs, and hey....of course there will be food. Since summer reading is always such a "hit" we'll be serving up ballpark favorites while you can brush up on your video games and find reasons that "Wii" all love to come to the Amherst Public Library.

Wear a baseball shirt and get in free.....wait, everything is free at the library.
See you then.

Vote for "Tales of the Starlight Drive-in"

2009-04-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

Vote for "Tales of the Starlight Drive-in" for best Graphic Novel of 2008

Vote Here

Sure the competition is tough when you're up against a guy whose graphic novel was made into a movie (The Watchmen), but local South Amherst author Michael San Giacomo is looking for your vote to help push him into the record books."Tales of the Starlight Drive-in" tells the stories of five people whose lives are linked by a drive-in theater. This mosaic novel contains 31 stories spanning more than 50 years in the life of the drive-in itself. Take a minute to support this local author. Registration is required to vote and look for "Tales" under "Favorite Graphic Novel of the Year".

Check your favorite library to see if it's on the shelf.

Worm Farmers Unite

2009-04-15T07:53:00.000-07:00

Our Earth Day activity on Thursday, April 16, from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m., is just one small window of opportunity to learn more about what you can do as kids to learn about sustainability and recycling. Look around you. You probably have something you can recycle into a planter to start your seeds now for a garden this summer.

Eggshells, cups, cans, even milk cartons can be made into seed starters. And don't forget the farmer's helper. Did you know there are over 1000 species of earthworms. Darwin studied earthworms extensively and deemed them essential to agriculture and human existance. Pretty deep.

To make your own worm farm, cut off the top of a two liter plastic bottle, about right at the top of the soda label. I poked a few holes in the bottom for drainage and added a bit of sand, soil, and some strips of newspaper I had soaked in water and squeezed out the excess water from.

Add worms, a piece of lettuce or other vegetable scraps, and keep moist. Worms love the dark so I used black paper taped to form a cylinder to keep the worms in the dark. Feed them often and keep the soil moist. After a few days you'll be able to see the worm tracks and castings as they recycle their food! Add the soil to your garden.

Set a Deadline for Read Ohio!

2009-04-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

Imagine what you would do if you found out you had only one year to live? For Ben Wolf, a high school senior, this was reality and what he chose to do changed the way he saw his family, his friends, and even uncovered some secrets about his small hometown of Trout, Idaho.

Ben chose to keep his eminent death a secret from his friends and even from his brother, Cody. The fear of our personal mortality keeps us all on a sort of moral leash, but undone from this boundry of fear of the unknown, Ben was able to question everything from his history teacher's blessed text book to understanding how his own death would impact those he loved. Chris Crutcher’s books always take readers on an emotional journey, and DEADLINE is no exception.

The goal of "Choose to Read Ohio", sponsored by the State Library of Ohio, is to encourage the reading of books written by Ohio authors together across Ohio communities. The library encourages Ohioans to Read Together, Read Ohio, and Read for Life.

For more information on "Choose to Read Ohio" visit their website for a full list of titles for children, teens, and adults. Find Deadline by Chris Crutcher (2007, Harper) at the Amherst Public Library in our Young Adult section (call number YA CRU).

2009-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

EARTH DAY ACTIVITY

Plant a seed and read!

Celebrate upcoming Earth Day when you drop in for our Make-it Take-it Activitiy available Thursday, April 16, between 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. This Earth friendly fun takes about 20 minutes to complete. Take our Earth Day Quiz while you're here.
Of course it's free.

Look for more creative garden projects coming up this summer at the library
Check out what my friends are doing at Veggie U in Milan, Ohio, to educate kids about sustainability.

Firelands Classroom Designs Library Ads

2009-04-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

Students in Sandra Fee's fourth grade classroom at Firelands Elementary School took part in the "Design an Ad" program sponsored by the Elyria Chronicle Telegram. All the ads are on display on the second floor of the Amherst Public Library.

The library staff voted on the ad they thought would best represent the library in the upcoming April 8 special issue of the Chronicle. Sarah Slack's design was chosen as the winner and she was presented with a framed copy of her ad recently when Robin Wood, director of the Amherst Public Library, visited her classroom.

But everybody's a winner when they take part in any library activity. Stop by and view the ads on display on the second floor by the reference desk.

Hobby Day Huge Success

2009-03-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

More than 800 people came to the Amherst Public Library last Saturday to see the variety of displays set up for the library's second annual Hobby Day. Alpacas, girl scouts, rubber stamping, artists, collectors and clubs all took part with exhibits.

This year the event filled the library and spilled out onto the lawn where four baby alpaca's from Sunset Farm in Vermilion visited with kids. "This was the first time the babies have been away from the farm," explained MarLynn Boehnlein. "We are heading to a three day event in Columbus later this spring and being here at the library will help with the babies getting used to being out in public."

Ron Price, a local magician and escape artist, entertained people and even taught kids a few tricks they could do at home with objects anyone has around the house. "Learning a magic trick you can show your friends is a great self esteem booster for kids," said Ron who has been featured at the Lorain Rose Garden Cafe along with other magic venues across Ohio. The library is looking forward to having Ron present a magic workshop as part of this year's summer reading program.

The youngest participant was Mitch Sebok, an avid flint collector, who brought a great display of rocks as well as photos from different sites and a rock tumbler. Mitch even offered free rocks to those kids looking to kick off their own collection.

Staff members even got involved and put up displays at their desks showcasing their hobby. It was great seeing all the different things people in our community were involved in and activities available in our area.

And remember, using the library is everyone's hobby. Stop by and check out books, magazines, movies, CDs or just sit and relax.
We're saving a chair for you.

Teen program went SMOOTH-ly

2009-03-19T11:35:00.001-07:00

The blenders got quite a workout yesterday as teens converged on Teen Beach Day at the Amherst Public Library. Mango Mania, Banana Cabana, and Strawberry Surprize were some of the favorites as librarians concocted smooth fruit sensations to satisfy those after school munchies.

Fresh watermelon, orange slices and lots of juice was consumed as kids played Guitar Hero on the two X-Box 360s the library had set up.
"This is the best teen event ever" said Nick, who even stayed and helped sweep the floor after everyone else had left when it was time to close down the Smoothie Tiki Hut.

Beach chairs were available for lounging and sitting under the large beach umbrella and looking at the flamingo lights seemed to get everyone in the mood for spring break.

Looking for a book?

2009-03-16T13:29:00.000-07:00

Hey looking for a new book to read? Check out some of these picks:

Impossible by Nancy Werlin
If you feel like your carrying a giant curse around with you then think of seventeen-year-old Lucy who discovers her family is under an ancient curse by an evil Elfin Knight. To add to the pressure she realizes she must perform three impossible tasks before her daughter is born in order to save them both from an eternity of ....well you'll see.

Rat Life by Tedd Arnonld

A weird friend, dead body in the river...why is it strange things are happening when all Todd is interested in is getting a job that pays decent money. When he is offered a gig at the drive-in movie theater is seems all on the up and up. Here's where knowing who you are and what your talents are plays a big part in what happens in your life. Yikes.

Travel Team by Mike Lupica

Here's March Madness on a smaller scale. Imagine getting cut from the very team your dad coached to a championship. Danny Walker might be the smallest kid on the team but don't underestimate him! You don't have to be a basketball fan to appreciated the heart and soul behind this team's "Bad News Bears" standings.

Online Teen Book Club

2009-03-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Confused about what to read next?

Join the online Teen Book Club through the Amherst Public Library and you'll get a a daily email containing a 5-minute portion of a book. You'll get a different book each week and you can sample two to three chapters and decide if you want to read on. This is a great way to find new friends and new fiction.

The web site also offers a forum to discuss books and comment on different selections. Follow the link below to the website where you can choose from a variety of books:

Amherst Book Club

You can choose your favorite library by typing in the zip code (44001) and choosing "Amherst Public Library". Join us in the Teen Book club or choose several. I did!

See you at the online library.

Check us out on Facebook to see what I'm reading now.

Nuevos Libros!

2009-03-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hola amigos!
Me llamo Cheryl and I've got news about some new resources at the Amherst Public Library. We've added a small collection of Spanish language reading materials. Multi-linqual families as well as students and home schoolers are always looking for materials to help them retain and learn Spanish. Now we offer some reading materials that go beyond the regular language tapes.

The library has always had a variety of language books to teach different levels of Spanish, Italian, German, French and even Japanese, Chinese, Hungarian....well, as you can see the list goes on and on.

Visit the children's department of the library to check out some of these new titles:

Diario de Greg un Renacuajo (Diary of a Wimpy Kid)

Ramona la Chinche

Scooby-Doo! yel Castillo Hechizado

Stuart Little

Winny de Puh

Stink el Increible Nino Menguante

El Gran dia de Lily

The Storyteller's Candle La velita de los cuentos

and a great magazine, Iguana, filled with stories, cartoons, puzzles, and great articles about kids from around the world.

If you have ideas for future titles please let know.

Buenos dias!

Magic in the Air

2009-03-06T13:00:00.000-08:00

New Rule: If you want to get on a computer on Fridays you need to show me a magic trick.
Just kidding....but that last girl took it pretty seriously.

My new favorite magician is Joshua Jay. I've been working on his virtual card tricks on the Internet that don't even require cards. Can't get much easier. And who knows....if this library thing doesn't work out I may be on the street with David Blaine.

Anyone wishing to demonstate their magic tricks should stop by the library and let Mrs. Ashton take a short video of you doing the trick. We want short, impromtu magic that can be performed easily at my desk. We'll post them online and make a video wall.

Abracadabra! Bring it on!

LOGO MADNESS

2009-02-27T05:35:00.000-08:00

Got any ideas for a cool logo?

Teen Beach Day at the Amherst Public Library

2009-02-18T04:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Giligan...Mary Anne...

Join us for a two hour tour (well not quite) and take a break from winter weather with Teen Game Day at the Amherst Public Library.

Video games, tropical refreshments and more.

Wednesday, March 18, 3:30 - 5 p.m.

I'm thinking only Beach Boy songs on Guitar Hero.

Get out your tropical shirts and flip flops and join us.

Teen Tech Week is March 8 - 14

2009-02-17T12:30:00.000-08:00

Technology and Teens collide at the library. Here's a great way to find out what others are reading. Join our virtual book group by telling us about a book you've read recently. No, it doesn't have to be a book from our library, but our teen section is a great place to check out some good reads.

Recipe for Summer Fun

2008-05-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

Look for our summer reading program to begin registration here at the library on Monday, June 2. We are cooking up lots of fun this summer with the return of x-box afternoons and the annual scavenger hunt.

As always, programs and registration is free. This year though we are taking optional donations of canned food and other items needed at the Second Harvest Food Bank.

We are also taking part in the Great American Bake Sale that supports children's nutrition programs around the United States.

Guitar Hero

2008-03-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

Amherst schools closed early on Tuesday but the the School of Rock was standing room only as kids piled into the Amherst Public Library to take advantage of the time off. One large screen featured Guitar Hero III with stereo speakers cranked up while a regular tv touted the original game. The impromtu rockfest lasted about four hours with more than forty kids trying their skill. Add to that 8 quarts of lemonade, a bag of suckers, a giant bag of cheese doodles and three boxes of microwave popcorn and I think you could say it was a pretty good time. When's the next day school is out early?

Graphic Tidings of Gladness

2008-01-09T08:02:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to all those who frequent the shelves in our graphic novel section here at the Amherst Public Library. Tired of housing our growing collection on left over shelving and commandeered carts we purchased some brand new shelving that sets a new standard for the new year.

Check out our growing list of manga, anime, and graphic novels. Don't have what you're looking for? Email me with suggestions.

School's starting soon: is this a joke?

2007-08-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

Can it be that summer is over? Summer reading was great and thanks to the more than 256 teens who participated this year. Now I suppose we should regroup and get our pencils sharpened and switch to school mode. Look for a design change to our blog soon as we gear up for homework questions and things to get you off and running.

Meanwhile, check out some of the New YA Books at the Amherst Public Library. There's still time to lounge around with a good book.

"Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer
It's not just vampires, but danger seems to surround Bella as graduation approaches

"Ark Angel" by Anthony Horowitz
Teen age spy Alex Rider is off on another mission - with the new Stormbreaker movie out all the books in this series have been flying off the shelf.

"The Ice Bound Land" by John Flanagan
Skandian slave-traders, kidnappers, knights in black, fantasy at its best!

"The Sight" by Erin Hunter
Followers of this popular series have been waiting for this one. Find out what's new in the clans and how true destiny plays a part in this new title.

"Your Eyes in Stars: a Novel" by M.E. Kerr
It's 1934 when Jessie, daughter of the prison warden, and Elisa, a German professor's daughter, form a friendship that continues across an ocean. Need a historical fiction book for an assignment?

Watching too much tv?

2007-01-25T18:18:00.001-08:00

Thinking about cookies...

2007-01-25T17:24:00.000-08:00

Okay, now I'm thinking about cookies. Found this movie online. Probably some kids made this after a librarian told them they couldn't have food in the library. Gives me the blues.

What about a teen film festival? What about teens making movies. What about a 2 - 6 minute short film with the Amherst Public Library in some part of the film. Hold on I'm still writing the rules. What do you think?

Taking it to the web...

2007-01-25T09:11:00.001-08:00

Creativity is the key.

Pull up a comfy chair and relax...you've found the Teen Lounge. Amherst Public Library is too small (right now) to have a space for teens to meet so we're taking it to the web!

Meet here to discuss ideas for new books, old books, and programs you'd like to see at the library. Hey you never know what can happen.

So for now pull up that cushy couch, crank up the ipod, and as far as food in the library...bring all the chocolate chip cookies to me.

Hey tell me about a good book you've read...

Tell me about a book, movie, music, graphic novel, mange, you think we should have at the library. Now's the time...I have money in my budget. Send me your suggestions.